More Benefits from Creative Hobbies Like Knitting

A couple of new stories have come out recently about how great knitting and other creative hobbies can be for our health and our life.

A study from San Fransisco State University found that creative hobbies of any sort caused people to be better problem solvers at work. Researchers said they thought the freedom of self-expression that creative hobbies played a role in helping people be more flexible and creative at work as well.

And a story in the Washington Post looks at a lot of benefits of knitting and other hobbies, noting that most crafters say they feel happier after a session with the needles and says that studies have shown creative hobbies to be stimulating for the mind, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

They also reduce the effects of stress, can be used to help people with motor issues like those caused by Parkinson’s disease, and may even be beneficial as a treatment for eating disorders.

While it can’t really be studied, most of us know the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from a successful knitting session, which certainly carries over into making us feel capable of doing other things we might at first think of as difficult.

I’d love to hear your stories about how knitting makes you feel healthier, more accomplished, whatever. And don’t let anyone tell you not to pick up your needles!

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The felted slipper craze that began last year doesn’t seem like it’s fading away. The Sailor Slippers, often striped knit and felted slippers made with super bulky yarn, because the project of the moment late last year (check out more knit slipper options in this post all about sailor slippers) and they’re still consistently popular with knitters.

Which makes sense because they are fun and fast to knit, and seeing them go from this giant thing to something that actually fits a foot feels a little magical.

I have always loved felting (in fact my first book was about felting knitting) and it’s always fun for me to see people rediscover this technique.

If you’ve knit enough plain slippers to fit all the feet you know, maybe it’s time to stitch up some tabi style slippers instead.

Maymade Knits has designed these cute tabi ballerina slippers, made with bulky yarn and felted. They’re worked flat at first and then in rounds, and are available in 10 EU sizes (the Internet tells me add 31 to your American shoe size to get your EU size). The designer says the slippers are meant to have a close fit and you should choose a size a little smaller than your foot for the ideal fit.

The pattern includes a video tutorial along with the written pattern.

You can grab this pattern on Ravelry. The same designer has her own version of the striped felted slipper as well, called Sarah’s Striped Slippers. These are worked in super bulky yarn and have a contrasting foot and a striped body. These are knit flat and seamed and there are 7 size options available. Check that pattern out here if you’re looking for a more traditional slipper shape. They also look roomier so you can wear them with socks if you like.

[Photo: Maymade Knits]

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